High Visa fees chocking tourism
The tourism sector in the country is failing to reach its full potential due to challenges such as high VISA fees and lack of competition in the aviation industry, Malawi Tourism Council (MTC) has said.
MTC board chairperson Oswald Bwemba said during the tourism stakeholders conference in Salima on Thursday that with the VISA fees at $70 (about MK51, 660) the sector is failing to compete with other countries whose VISA fees are at US$50 (MK36, 900).
He also said with fewer airline operators in the aviation industry, transport costs for tourists are slightly higher for Malawi compared to its neighbouring countries that have more operators.
“We are not asking for too much, all we are saying is that government should review the VISA fees and woo more airline operators so that our rates can compete with those of our neighbours and in that way, the sector will thrive well,” said Bwemba.
He also urged government to resolve the energy problems which he said is posing a big operational challenge in the sector and also hinted on the need to review the legal framework governing the sector.
“We are also heavily burdened with high costs of running electricity generators due to erratic power supply. Apart from that, government should fast track the review of the legal framework that governs the sector,” said Bwemba.
In his response, Minister of Industry, Trade and Tourism Francis Kasaila said the Ministry will consult relevant authorities on the issue of VISA fees because the issue also concerns security matters.
“Their concerns are genuine but we need to know that VISA fee is determined by a number of factors which include security so we have to consult relevant authorities on this but I am sure something will be done,” said Kasaila.
On the other challenges, the minister only assured the council and its affiliates that government will do everything possible to ensure that the tourism sector is conducive to operators and the customers.
“We are already doing something. The tourism policy is now at Cabinet level and we have already started implementing duty free on building materials for hotel facilities and more will come,” said Kasaila.
He said among other achievements in 2017 the sector contributed MK158 billion representing 3.5 percent of the total gross domestic product (GDP) and created 233 000 jobs.
